KEITH BRYAN HAW

A Car-Enthused Lifestyle Interview

“I can remember being a kid having all these matchbox toys and drawing car logos. I grew up with a Lamborghini Poster at the back of my bed too. Then it evolved to owning a car and then modifying cars for friends to fund my personal builds”. — KBH

I met the young Keith 15 years ago when he first joined our car show – TransSportShow in 2005. He entered a 2000 Lexus IS200 in the car competition  which  won the  Best Luxury Sedan. 

Since then he has been joining my three auto shows (the other two are ManilaAutoSalon and SportTruckShow) and has been winning  several major awards under his company – Import Hook Up. Most of his winning entries are done in collaboration with leading auto restoration and customizing shops and over the years I have seen how Keith meticulously curates his project vehicles truly reflecting the artist in him. I can say that Keith is one of the  pioneers in exotic car modification . He is known for his show-stopping wild builds that  only a person with a creative mind and who is confidently fearless can accomplish.

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I interviewed Keith for this first Cars & Chow feature in Culture/Lifestyle primarily because I’ve known him to love both cars and food ( this guy can COOK!) and also because of his broad lifestyle interests. In his own words, Keith shares his car-enthused lifestyle.

C&C: Can you give us a background of what you do ?
KBH: I’m an Entrepreneur doing business in paper, restaurants, club/bars and of course cars. I’m also a DJ and car racer.

C&C: How did you become a car enthusiast? How did it all start?

KBH: I can remember being a kid having all these matchbox toys and drawing car logos. I grew up with a Lamborghini Poster at the back of my bed too. Then it evolved to owning a car and then modifying cars for friends to fund my personal builds.

C&C: Currently, what would be your top 5 favorite vehicles (owned and/or wish to own) and why ?

KBH:

Lamborghini – because it’s my childhood dream. A modified Huracan and an Aventador SVJ because who does not want a V12 Lambo?

Porsche 992 Turbo -I want the newest 992 Turbo that was just released because I think Porsche is the most practical sports car you can buy and use in Manila.

Ferrari 488 Pista or the F8 Tributo Spider — I definitely want a Ferrari in my collection .

Lamborghini Urus or Rolls Royce Cullinan — I need an SUV in my life and it is a toss up between these two. Either one will end up the same with me — a wide-bodied SUV.

La Ferrari or Bugatti Chiron – For my ultimate hypercar and dream car.

C&C: What are your other hobbies?

KBH: As a FOODIE, I love a lot of things like being well- updated on the best restaurants here in the Philippines and abroad,  COOKING because i love to eat and  sharing a good meal  with friends and drinking with them.

I love ENTERTAINING as well and because I love MUSIC my being a DJ ticks all those boxes. 

I’m also into CREATIVES/GRAPHIC DESIGN because that’s what i do in my family business. Currently I am concentrating on building my YouTube channel KBH 

C&C: Do you collect anything? 

KBH: I want to collect CARS given i have a lot of money (lol). I collect WATCHES as i appreciate how a good timepiece is made. I am into PAINTINGS as well because I appreciate good modern artwork.

GARAGE TALK

C&C: Tell us about the project vehicles you are currently working on. 

KBH: I am doing several now including my personal car, a Lamborghini Huracan. It will be the first wide body Huracan in the Philippines which I am going to debut in ManilaAutoSalon this November hopefully if the COVID pandemic ceases . I am also doing several client cars namely a Ferrari 488 Pista, Huracan, Aventador, and 911 .

C&C: What is the most challenging job in doing a project vehicle?

KBH: BUDGET of course haha! The challenge is how to work within the clients’ budget. We all have even if it’s a supercar project. Next to budget, is CONCEPTUALIZING and SETTING THE END GOAL. Execution comes in pretty easy for me  because I already have the best shops in the country to collaborate with  like Titan Works and Alex Car Restoration.

CHOW TALK

C&C: What foods do you love to eat?

KBH: Steak, Burger, Fries, Sushi, Dimsum, Crabs, Korean BBQ, Ramen, Chicken Sandwich, Sisig

C&C: What foods do you love to cook and serve. 

KBH: Steak, Kimchi Fried Rice, Gyudon, Japanese Chicken or Beef Curry,Breakfast Platters

C&C: What are your favorite drinks ?

KBH: Don Julio Tequila 1942 and Macallan 18

C&C: List your top 5 restaurants in the Philippines and abroad.

KBH: Local – Antonios, Summer Palace, Kyo-To, Tsukiji, Wolfgang and Raging Bull

Los Angeles – Crustacean, Genwa Korean BBQ, Langers Delicatessen, CATCH , CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Nobu Malibu

IF YOU ARE TO DO A FUN DRIVE or ROAD TRIP …

C&C: Where would you love to go ?

KBH: I always love driving in California especially in Los Angeles where you can see beautiful people, cars, houses and scenery. I Also love it there because of the varied food and restaurant choices. From food trucks/stands to fine dining, you can see them all there.

C&C: What vehicle will you drive?

KBH: In sunny California you must have a top down exotic car. I would be happy with my dream car — a Lamborghini Aventador or a Ferrari 812 Superfast both in convertibles.

C&C: What do you prefer to wear while on this fun drive/road trip?

KBH: Very comfortable outfit like  tee shirt with a jacket or hoodie, jeans and sneakers. I love the quality of designer brands especially Louis Vuitton and Dior.

C&C: Since you are into timepieces, what would be your ideal watch to wear?

KBH: I’m actually saving up for my dream watches —  an AP Royal Oak Skeleton Rose or an RM 11-03 NTP carbon. That would be perfect for my style.

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C&C: What type of music will you be listening to while driving? 

KBH: House music all day everyday 🙂 . Can’t think of one particular song but I love vocal house.

C&C: What food and drinks will you be having when you reach your destination ? 

KBH: I always love eating steak but a simple burger & fries will do. I also love Japanese Omakase.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

C&C: What advise can you give to fellow car enthusiasts?

KBH:

1. Work hard so you can play harder. 
2. Always be grateful for everything, the good and the bad. 
3. If you are not doing what you love you are wasting your time.

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